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Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, expressed satisfaction with the recent developments in Gabon, where the military assumed control of the resource-rich Central African nation.
During an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy program last Friday, Fayose expressed his stance on military involvement in politics. He firmly stated his disapproval of military intervention in political affairs, emphasizing his belief that the recent surge of coups witnessed across the continent can be attributed to the “sit-tight syndrome.”
Fayose went on to express his satisfaction with the recent developments in Gabon, emphasizing that he is not a proponent of military incursions into political matters. Notably, military officers had seized control in Gabon on Wednesday, ousting President Ali Bongo, who had held power for 14 years. This happened shortly after he was declared the winner of Saturday’s elections.
Despite acknowledging the shortcomings in Nigeria’s democratic journey, Fayose remains optimistic that such military interventions are unlikely to occur in Nigeria.
“Remember that, currently in Nigeria, we are witnessing a disrupted democratic process. It’s evident that every four years, we anticipate elections, and Nigeria has transitioned from one political party to another, one leader to another, within a relatively short span of time.
“However, in a country where an individual holds power for 30 years, 20 years, or even 40 years, there is a strong need to ensure a change in leadership, by any means necessary. This situation is distinct from the political landscape in Nigeria,” he stated.
“Keep in mind that the rules regarding term limits in different countries vary, and it’s essential not to draw direct comparisons with Nigeria. I’m not implying that unforeseen events cannot occur, such as coups.
“When discussing these matters here, it’s crucial to be cautious, as any mention of a coup could lead to reporting and potential repercussions. Failing to report such information, in such a critical context, could have severe consequences,” he warned.
Reinforcing his argument, Fayose compared the population of the oil-rich nation to that of Nigeria, stating, “Nigeria boasts a population of 200 million, whereas Gabon has a population of 2.5 million, and even Ekiti State surpasses Gabon in terms of population.”
